You've surely been in this sort of situation before. Your friend isn't just upset and needing someone to tell them it'll be ok. They're hysterical and any assurance that everything will be alright is thrown back into your face and dismissed. But there are ways you can try to calm your friend down some.

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Steps

1

Tell them everything will be okay. If they calm down, they weren't inconsolable, they just needed some assurance. But if this doesn't help at all, they are inconsolable, and proceed.

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2

Offer them two or three suggestions or solutions to help them. These don't necessarily need to be suggestions of things for them to do if it isn't a problem that needs action ie: They're really upset because all their friends have boyfriends and they don't. You can simply offer advice. For example, tell them that they need to remember that they are an amazing person and they shouldn't need a boyfriend to define this, etc.

3

See if these calm them down at all.

4

Understand that if your suggestions didn't work, that this doesn't mean you are a bad friend for not being able to comfort them.

5

Ask them if there is anything you can do to help them. If there is, help to the best of your ability.

6

Tell them that you are there for them if they ever need anything or need to talk.

7

Talk to them about something else.

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Tips

If they are sad and crying, give them a big hug and tell them you love them and that you are always there for them.

If your friend's relationship with someone, who is close to your friend, is in jeopardy because your friend supported you, just don't make them know that you are driven by the guilt because it will only make them feel even worse and they can go hyper inconsolable.The best thing that you can do is you can tell them that their friend is just angry with them and the anger will subside as the days pass by.You can also advise them that they have to talk to the wounded friend normally as they always did which can actually make them forget the wounds caused.

Ask them what's wrong and listen to what they have to say.

If your friend is truly depressed so much that you are concerned, suggest they see a counselor if needed. Offer to go with them to make them more willing and comfortable with it.

It is easier to comfort a friend in person than over the phone or the internet because then they can both see you and hear your voice. So if it is possible, go to see your friend to comfort them. Also, it will make them feel better to know that you are willing to come see them when they have a problem.

Go out with them and maybe some other friends to help them take their mind off of their problem.

Warnings

Don't complain about your own problems or tell them they don't have it as bad as you when you are comforting them. It will make them more upset than they already are.

Don't tell them what to do, simply offer suggestions and advice and your opinion.

If you can't make your friend feel better, don't feel like you are an inadequate friend. Sometimes people don't want to be comforted and they just need to mope for a while, so it isn't your fault.